Yes it is, so it’s probably not a fair comparison but I’m surprised at how much better this new Onkyo sounds compared to my older Denon. I just wish there was a way to tell what makes it sound so much better. It would give me more information for next time I upgrade.

When I first bumped up the volume I set it to where my ears told me I usually played the Denon. I checked the SPL meter and it was 8dB higher. Scary thing is I could really listen to the M80s at 100dBs now because it doesn’t feel uncomfortable.

Then....

Originally Posted By: Dean

I played my Denon 2807 that loud once but not even for 5 minutes but it was un-listenable above about 95dB. The Onkyo sounded fine right up till it stopped sounding at all.

Interesting. Despite what seems to be only a 30 wpc advantage, the Onkyo is sounding "different" at higher volumes?

Damn, I'm going to have to get some outboard amps to test this theory, and the Outlaws have their monoblocks on sale.... !

Interesting. Despite what seems to be only a 30 wpc advantage, the Onkyo is sounding "different" at higher volumes?

Colour me confused too, and “different” is an understatement. Above about 90=95dB average (depending on the genre) for music the 2807 started sounding really harsh. Never listened that loud so it wasn’t an issue.

In the apartment I had the 2807 calibrated and played mostly at 75dB but when I moved to the house I upped that to 85dB which is when I started the “do I need more power thread” because it sound to me like it was clipping during loud movie scenes like the explosions in “Master and Commander.”

With those same scenes the Onkyo sounds loud but smooth, not harsh, and the loud parts no longer interfere with the more subtle parts of the same scene (e.g. the explosions don’t wash out the surround effects) with Audyssey on or off.

I agree that 30dB shouldn’t make a striking difference especially over a 10dB range. It must be a combination of factors.

Originally Posted By: Marks Johnson

Damn, I'm going to have to get some outboard amps to test this theory, and the Outlaws have their monoblocks on sale.... !

I’d love to hear your results. I don’t see getting amps right now since this seem to be able to play louder than I would ever want to listen and still sounds great.

I haven’t nor do I plan to do an A/B comparison partly since I have no easy way to do it. And also I can’t discern a noticeable difference at lower volumes.

Note: before anyone goes all AVS on me I’m not claiming that Onkyo is better than Denon, just that there’s a striking difference in SQ between my older Denon 2807 and newer Onkyou 3007.